The statement said the decision to make a change had come after "an in-depth analysis of the situation," with Stoger having been under contract until 2020.

President Werner Spinner said: "Our responsibility is to try everything in order to stay in the league.

"Until recently, we hoped that we could do this with Peter, his staff, and this team. Despite a positive result against Schalke [a 2-2 draw on Saturday], we unfortunately no longer have this conviction.

"This is why, in the current situation, it is important to bring a stimulus into the position of head coach, despite this being a very difficult and heavy decision for us to make."

Managing Director Alexander Wehrle said Stoger "has written an unprecedented success story" as Cologne's longest-serving head coach but added: "Both Peter Stoger and us have felt in recent days that our joint path was coming to an end, regardless of the result against Schalke."

Stoger said: "It was clear to us on Friday that the Schalke match would be our last. We decided to wait until Sunday to communicate this in order to fully concentrate on the match.

"It is in the best interest of the club, and especially the team, that a decision was made and clarity restored."

The club thanked Stoger and his assistant Manfred Schmid "for their success and loyalty over the years" and said they "wish nothing but the best for the future."